Dr. Mark Swaim Explains How Pets Improve The Social Skills Of Children With Special Needs

Dr. Mark Swaim acknowledges that humans have been domesticating animals for thousands of years and now. Today, more studies are going into using animals for therapeutic reasons. In the case of children with special needs, animal-assisted therapy seems promising. 

Animals over toys

Australian research shows that children are more social when playing with animals than with toys. The study establishes that children with autism who played with guinea pigs for ten minutes displayed better social behavior towards their peers, compared to the group who played with toys. 

They were asked to talk, smile, laugh, look at faces, and make physical contact with others. Again, the group that played with animals showed less harmful behavior than the other group.

Dr. Mark Swaim suggests that the presence of the animals may have made the environment calmer and less stressful for the children.

The challenge of socialization

Socialization is often the biggest challenge for children with special needs. The school classroom can seem like a threatening and stressful environment for them because of peer victimization and social difficulties. If the presence of an animal can make it less overwhelming or change the perception of the child of the classroom and those in it, then it’s a step in the right direction.

The animal and human bond

The bond between man and animal has been around for thousands of years now. Dr. Mark Swaim says that animals have been used in therapy since the 18th century. The numerous psychological, emotional, mental, and health benefits of animals to humans cannot be denied. 

Today, dogs are being trained to become companion dogs. They assist people with disabilities and children with special needs. Since children often find it stressful to leave the house, companion dogs act as their guide. They hang on to the dog as they navigate the outdoors. The canine companions make it easier for them to go for a walk or do simple errands.

With a companion dog, Dr. Mark Swaim agrees that children with special needs can socialize well with their peers.